The Story of Eutychus – Acts 20

In Acts chapter 20, we see that familiar passage where Eutychus falls asleep in church and falls out a window to his death. Now, I’ve heard some preachers use this story to emphasize how important it is to pay attention in church and to not fall asleep. But, I tend to believe that this story was included in the Bible to bring glory to God because of His healing power through Paul.

7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

Paul had much to say before he left, so he stayed up talking until midnight. Rather than have this last meeting before his departure be remembered with sorrow and regret because this young man died, it was remembered as a miraculous night when God raised a young man from the dead through Paul.

Lord, my faith is increased through reading the stories of how You moved through the disciples in might ways. Give me faith like Paul’s and boldness to finish the job you’ve called me to do – no matter what happens. I want to bring glory to Your name in all situations.